The people in the tiny hamlet of Clyde River live on the shore of Baffin Island’s Patricia Bay. As one of the world’s most remote communities, it is challenging the National Energy Board’s decision to approve a five-year search for oil off Clyde River’s coast. The exploration relies on seismic testing, a process of firing explosions through the ocean to find oil. This is a first step towards dangerous oil drilling in the Arctic and a precursor to oil drilling in the Baffin Bay Davis Strait area.
Seismic testing could cause biological damage to dolphins, porpoises and whales. In fact, 80-90%of the world’s narwhales make the Arctic waters their home. Furthermore, explosions from testing can disrupt the paths of marine animals sometimes causing hearing loss and even death.
The 900 people of Clyde River have the Nunavut Association of Municipalities behind them as they press forward with their legal challenge. Every mayor from Nunavut’s 25 communities has signed on to support Clyde River’s challenge against the Conservative government that deferred the decision to their energy regulator. However, it is disheartening to note that the people who will be affected most and who possess the best knowledge of the region have not been consulted.
Let’s join the people of Clyde River in their fight to protect one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems. Let’s petition the Canadian government and their National Energy Board to cease dangerous oil exploration in Canada’s Arctic.
To add your voice, please sign the petition in support of Clyde River’s endangered habitat by clicking on the following link: http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/Blog/inuit-community-battles-big-oil-to-save-prime/blog/51250/
Jean Moylan, CSJ